New numbers

Team Jayhawk wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez (1) is caught between Team KU safety Mike Lee (11) and Team KU cornerback DeAnte Ford (27) during the first quarter of the 2017 Spring Game on Saturday, April 15 at Memorial Stadium.
by Nick Krug

The majority of KU’s core maintained the status quo in terms of the digits they will wear on their chests and backs. But some opted for a switch.

A couple of crucial junior college signees who weren’t able to enroll in the spring also got to Lawrence in the summer for offseason training: junior safety Antonio Cole (No. 14) and junior running back Octavius Matthews (No. 12).

While Beaty chooses not to reveal which players are on scholarship, a number of incoming freshmen are expected to enter the program as walk-ons. Below are some players who likely fall in that category, most of whom were highlighted by Beaty at his Signing Day press conference back in February:

Fullback Quinton McQuillan: No. 36

Safety Tom Barrett: No. 41

Kicker Cole Brungardt: No. 37

Safety Nick Caudle: No. 45

Fullback Sam Schroeder: No. 46

Offensive lineman Sam Burt: No. 59

Offensive lineman Jack Williams: No. 62

Receiver Hunter Kaufman: No. 80

Linebacker Kashe Boatner: No. 87

The current KU roster also includes some names likely to be completely new to most fans, as they didn’t get the benefit of any Signing Day buzz. Quarterback Miles Fallin (No.15, from Canyon County, Calif.), defensive end Jelani Arnold (No. 91, from Irving, Texas) and defensive tackle Dai Coye Haley (No. 92, from Atchison) all are college freshmen.

Meanwhile, running back Kezelee Flomo (No. 30, formerly of North Dakota State College of Science) is a sophomore. And although his name didn’t appear on KU’s spring game roster, he actually carried the ball late in the fourth quarter of the open scrimmage.

Roster subtractions

Three players who were involved in the program in the spring have since left the Jayhawks.

As previously reported, tight end Jace Sternberger (Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College) and linebacker Sam Skwarlo (Coffeyville Community College) decided to transfer, in efforts to give their football careers a boost.

Offensive lineman Joe Gibson, on the other hand, gave up football after a neck injury in 2016.

Is Deron Thompson still on the team? Last year was a redshirt after CSU, but there has been no mention of him. I'm hoping the local kid (Wichita) can make it for us, though RB is getting talented and crowded. Maybe even as a return specialist. I'm recalling he had great HS speed.